Transforming Spaces
When our clients first welcomed us into their Belleair Beach condo, their main concern was the "bowling alley effect" created by a long, narrow living room—a common challenge in Florida beach house layouts. They dreamed of transforming the space into a serene retreat that blended coastal interior design with functional, open-concept living. Their vision was clear: a soothing palette of soft blues, crisp whites, and natural wood tones, designed for effortless entertaining and everyday comfort.
Excited by both the challenge and the opportunity, April and I got to work crafting a thoughtful, full-service plan. We anchored the living space with a custom sectional sofa in performance-grade Crypton fabric, combining upscale style with durability ideal for coastal Florida homes. The off-white tone created a relaxed, elevated feel—perfect for beachside living without worry.
Solving the awkward layout became a rewarding design moment. We introduced a corner banquette with built-in storage, adding both charm and functionality. I selected a faux wall finish in serene blue for the banquette nook, envisioning how it would pop against a crisp white art piece to become a subtle focal point. In the dining area, we chose a versatile, expandable table ideal for seating up to eight—ready for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or quiet nights in.
By reimagining the space flow and emphasizing light, breezy materials, we delivered a complete transformation—turning a tight floor plan into a beautiful, welcoming coastal-inspired condo that now lives up to its beach house dream.
Marya Flurnoy
Senior Designer,
Feng Shui/Energy Expert
Author/Speaker
Marya's Tips for Successful Design:
- Think creatively, unburdened by conventional limitations.
- Embrace a mindset of endless possibilities.
- Vet a designer's portfolio for versatility and problem-solving prowess.
- Dare to innovate and incorporate unique design elements.
- Use textural layering to add depth and interest to walls.
- For white furnishings, choose Crypton fabric—it delivers both longevity and aesthetic appeal.
Creating A Gathering Space
The sectional was a non-negotiable, and by positioning it just so, we made the entire living space feel more expansive. The icing on the cake came when I discovered Riverside's bar table with matching stools. Tucked behind the sectional, it serves as a secondary hub for guests, making the room ideal for larger gatherings.
No More "Bowling Alley" Walkway
We designed a slender, custom bar cabinet to banish the "bowling alley" ambiance. It provides extra storage and subtly partitions the space to create a more harmonious flow. Layered wall treatments, framed by white moldings, set the stage for a calming beach-inspired oil painting. I added a pair of candle sconces to complete the look, infusing the room with a soft, inviting glow.
Conception to Completion
So there you have it—a transformed living area that can comfortably host 11 guests and a dining space for eight, all while echoing the relaxed luxury of a beachside retreat.
Floor Plan and Renderings
